Ghost Rides: Pittsburgh and Its Countryside

Ghost Rides
Goblins and Ghouls. Oh my.

Duration: Three days and three nights

Your first day of road tripping begins in Butler County. Wondering what’s in store for you on this journey? Of course there’s a bit of Pennsylvania history and walks through the woodlands. But, most importantly (and scarily), there are ghost tales from centuries past, cemetery strolls, and overnight stays in haunted hotels. You’re about to go on an adventure through some of this region’s most historic haunting grounds. If you’re still reading, then this is the road trip for you. Hop in and hang on. You’re in for a heart-pounding ride.

The picture-perfect tree lines, the chirping birds busily preparing for winter, and the groans of the undead welcome you to the cemetery, Butler County’s zombie capital. Just one mile south of PA-68, and a little bit off of Franklin Road, this spot is where the legendary horror flick “Night of...

Just 15 minutes up the road takes you to your next destination. It’s not just ghosts you’ll find in autumn winds of Harmony Society Cemetery; you’ll also come across an interesting history attached to this spooky spot as it was the first Harmonists cemetery in Pennsylvania. Members of the Harmony... Read More >

Harmony’s Historic District includes the beautiful Zeigler log house, built in 1835, the Wagner House, as well as Father Rapp’s hillside bench. When you’re done snapping pictures, head on over to the Harmony Museum and learn a thing or two about the region's Native American culture, the town's... Read More >

Mennonite Meetinghouse and Cemetery (Harmony)

Just north of Harmony between US-19 and Mercer Road is your next destination. In 1825, Harmony’s Mennonite population decided to build this stone meetinghouse as a place to talk and pray. In those days, services were conducted in German. Sometime around the 19th century, things started slowing...

Much like the rest of Harmony, this place is rumored to have ghostly visitors wandering the halls. The inn was built way back in 1856, so who knows what spirits decided to make this their home. The Harmony Inn serves American cuisine with Mexican and German specialties. But you just can't go wrong with a steak.

For more than 200 years the Century Inn in the Village of Scenery Hill, just 15 minutes from Brownsville, has been known for its fine dining and gracious hospitality in a tranquil, romantic setting. Don't miss the show at the Zephanie Riggle's House of Entertainment – located directly across the street.

When you're ready to kick back and get some sleep, head over to this hotel just a short drive from Butler. Unlace your road-tripping boots and unwind in your guest room with some cable TV and internet access. And, if you need a bite to eat, just head down to the River City Grille and Lounge for some Authentic American cuisine. After a day on the road, you've probably worked up a mighty appetite.

This place has been in continuous operation since 1794. So they know a thing or two about keeping guests happy. It used to be a stop for stagecoaches and wagon drivers. Now it's a place for you to get a great rest before hitting the road again.

TTake a quick lunch break at Brown’s Country Kitchen on your short 20-minute drive north to the beautiful 16,000-acre Moraine State Park. Here you’ll find tall trees welcoming you with multi-colored autumn leaves along with 10 different cemeteries full of creepy tales. The largest cemetery is B.W... Read More >

Historic Downtown (Butler)

About a half-hour drive will get you to Butler, a town full of rich history and storied tales. Visit the Butler County Courthouse, a government and judicial building located at the heart of the city. Its structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Then stroll over to the...

As the skies darken, head 30 minutes south to check out Blue Mist Road, located in Pittsburgh’s North Park. If the blue mist that covers the road isn’t enough to scare you, visit the old cemetery nearby for a chance to see a ghost. Read More >

Eat Here

The Tap Room (Pittsburgh)

Get a taste of the Steel City while watching sports and munching on appetizers, soups and sandwiches. Try the chili. It's legendary.

The super-comfortable accommodations of the elegant Omni William Penn Hotel have been attracting distinguished guests since 1916. During your overnight stay here, you’ll be tempted by award-winning food. But keep your eyes peeled – the hotel is rumored to be haunted.

Sunrise in Pittsburgh brings you outside into the crisp air, and back on the road as you make a 30-minute trip south to Pittsburgh. Your first stop in this historic city is under the roof of an elegant Victorian Mansion. Known as “Clayton,” this historic landmark was once the home of industrial... Read More >

Just 15 minutes away, and looming over the University of Pittsburgh, is the Gothic Revival tower known as the Cathedral of Learning. This University of Pittsburgh building was built to be more than just a schoolhouse: It was to be a symbol of the life and spirit of Pittsburgh. It’s rumored... Read More >

Head 10 minutes north to your next location, one of the largest cemeteries in the nation. The Allegheny Cemetery and arsenal both have a history that dates back into the 1800s. During the Civil War, the Allegheny Arsenal was an important manufacturer of supplies and weaponry for the Union Army.... Read More >

Washington's Landing / Herr's Island (Pittsburgh)

Cross the 31st Street Bridge to Washington’s Landing. In 1753, George Washington’s raft capsized in the Allegheny River, forcing him to take shelter on the island, then known as Herr’s Island. Rumors say that Washington’s spirit has returned here to haunt the eastern end of the island. Do a...

Grab the morning paper and shake off those nightmares. The next destination is where history happens in Pittsburgh. From the French & Indian War to Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl wins, the experts here leave no topic unturned. But even in the Heinz History Center, things happen beyond the realm of... Read More >

Just a short stroll towards the tip of Pittsburgh is Point State Park. The Battle of Grant’s Hill was fought just steps to the East of the Point and some of those soldiers are still rumored to be wandering this land. This is also the home of the Fort Pitt Museum, housing artifacts and history of... Read More >

A 50-mile drive south through the colorful trees of autumn brings you to Brownsville. This is where you’ll come across the Flatiron Heritage Visitors Center. On your way into town, you’ll see America’s first cast iron bridge, Dunlap’s Creek Bridge. Next, take a ride through the Brownsville... Read More >

Take a stroll down the street and enjoy the chilly autumn winds, leaves crackling beneath your feet, and an ancient castle on the horizon. Nemacolin Castle has a story that stretches back into the ages. It’s built on land that once served as a fort and then a trading post. And its name comes from... Read More >

On Pittsburgh's North Side, you'll find this gathering of classic houses from eras past. The Historic District served as a residential area for steel and lumber millionaires in the mid to late 1800's. These days, it's a monument to the architecture and lifestyle of Pittsburgh's good ol' days. Stop by and take a stroll through history.

A lot of birds are flying south this time of year. But at the National Aviary, there's no better time to catch up with the flock. Drop in and take a gander at their Raptors exhibit or spend some time with the flamingos. Also, it's built atop an old Civil War burial ground. Two words: ghost birds.

An old mansion with spooky stories galore and a haunted house to boot. Hundred Acres Manor is Pittsburgh's largest haunted attraction featuring five separate layers of creepiness. Lace up your running shoes and get ready for 45-minutes of scream-packed adventures.

This 17-room mansion was built in the late 1800's. It was then abandoned in 1894 after ghostly activities caused its inhabitants to flee. The mansion was left shuttered until 2004 when it was renovated and reopened for your investigation. Maybe you can get to the bottom of this creepy case.

Take a spooky thrill on the world’s first haunted hayride. Travel through the countryside on what some consider to be the most frightening trip of their lives. Journey through the woods, corn fields and into the authenticated "Haunted Barn.” And if that is not enough, they even have carnival rides, games and concessions for all to enjoy.